Why Aren't All Maryland Students Learning to Read? How to Close the Reading Gap

Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2:45 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)

Registration Information

If you are concerned about literacy in our public schools, please attend. Each person may reserve up to 5 tickets. Larger groups, please contact the organizer.

Ended

Free

Community Partner

Thank you to our 22 Community Partners who will showcase their community outreach programs during the Town Hall Panel. If your organization would like to support the Town Hall but missed the deadline, please join us as an attendee.

Ended

Free

For additional questions or concerns, please contact DecodingDyslexiaMD@gmail.com or Laura Schultz at 703-477-4847.
For Community Partners, please contact Jaclynddmd@gmail.com.
To donate: https://iamdyslexia.nationbuilder.com/decoding_dyslexia_maryland_town_hall

Share Why Aren't All Maryland Students Learning to Read? How to Close the Reading Gap

Event Details

Please join Decoding Dyslexia Maryland for a critical discussion on literacy practices and solutions in Maryland public schools.

October is Dyslexia Awareness Month -- it's the right time to advocate for educational change for struggling readers & students with dyslexia/SLD.

Please Join Us!

The quality of teacher instruction on literacy provided by Maryland institutions of higher education is one factor that seriously impacts student literacy achievement. As the demands of society change, proficient literacy levels are required to enable students to participate fully in the workforce and in their community. Standards and certification in reading and literacy are needed to ensure literacy for all students.

66% of 4th-grade students in the US read below proficient on the NAEP assessment in 2013

55% of MD 4th grade students read BELOW proficient, NAEP 2013

72% of MD 4th-grade students with disabilities read below proficient

78% of MD 4th-grade black students read below proficient

The Town Hall discussion will include perspectives from student, parent and teacher panelists on the underlying problems with literacy in our public schools. The panels will also include expert testimony in the fields of reading neuroscience, teacher training/preparation, and student intervention/screening.

Students who are capable of learning to read and write must have the opportunity to learn. Maryland higher education facilities must provide teachers with the skills and competencies needed to reach a variety of complex learners including Struggling readers from all social constructs, Economically disadvantaged students, English language learners, students with Dyslexia, and students with other Specific learning disabilities (SEEDS).

Parent of Student with dyslexia: Christine Bellotti, Montgomery County

Teacher of students with reading struggles & dyslexia: Lavaunda Roundtree, Special Educator, Anne Arundel County Public Schools

How to Close the Reading Gap: The Solutions

The Neurological Underpinnings of Reading: Dr. Donald Bolger, Associate Professor in the Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology at the University of Maryland.

What Teachers Need to Know to Teach Reading to all Students: Mary Stowe, Reading, Inclusion Specialist, William & Mary School of Education, Training and Technical Assistance Center

How to Identify and Provide Effective Instruction to Struggling Readers:Marilyn Zecher, Certified Academic Language Therapist and President of the DC-Capital Area Branch of the International Dyslexia Association. Amy Siracusano, Teacher/Vice Principal/Teacher Trainer, Calvert County Public Schools

Community Sponsors -- Decoding Dyslexia Maryland would like to thank the following organizations for their support of literacy efforts in Maryland and their contributions to the Town Hall Panel Discussion.

Saturday, October 10, 2015 from 2:45 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)

Organizer

Decoding Dyslexia Maryland is a parent-led, grassroots movement driven by families concerned about reading instruction and interventions for all students, including those with dyslexia, in Maryland Public Schools.